Lavatory bowl rim-block

ABSTRACT

The present invention encompasses a lavatory bowl rim-block dispensing a solution comprising gellan gum onto a lavatory bowl surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of EPOapplication serial no. 03447098.9 filed Apr. 29, 2003 and EPOapplication serial no. 04447081.30 filed Mar. 30, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to lavatory bowl rim-blocks.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A great variety of ways to clean lavatory bowls, such as toiletbowls, has been described in the art. One particular way of cleaninglavatory bowls, such as toilet bowls, are so called rim-blocks. Indeed,rim-blocks are devices that dispense liquid or solid compositionsdirectly into a lavatory bowl from under the rim of said bowl. Suchrim-blocks are usually attached by various means, such as hooks and thelike, to the rim of the lavatory bowl. Every time a toilet equipped witha rim-block is flushed, an amount of composition is dispensed into thelavatory bowl. Liquid and solid rim-blocks are already known in the art.

[0004] The present invention relates to so-called liquid rim-blocks,this means the composition to be released into the lavatory bowl are inliquid form.

[0005] Examples of liquid rim-blocks known in the art include a liquidrim-block device having a suspension means and at least two compartmentsfor active substances (WO 02/40792), or a lavatory cleaning systemcomprising a dispenser for dispensing a liquid composition from underthe rim of a lavatory bowl, wherein the composition has a viscosity ofgreater than 2500 mPa s (WO 02/04951). Other similar systems aredescribed in EP 775741 or WO 01/94520.

[0006] Even though, the currently known lavatory bowl rim-blocksaccording to the above cited art provide a good performance with regardto cleaning performance, it has been found by consumer research that thecurrently known lavatory bowl rim-blocks tend to show a leakage problemupon use.

[0007] Indeed, it is highly desirable, that the active composition of alavatory bowl rim-block is only dispensed upon flushing of the lavatorybowl. Once, the lavatory bowl is flushed, the active composition shouldbe retained in the lavatory rim-block until the next flushing operation.However, existing lavatory bowl rim-blocks tend to leak the activecompositions in-between the flushing of the lavatory bowls. This leakageleads to an increased consumption of the active composition as well asto unsightly staining of the lavatory bowl.

[0008] Prevention of leakage, e.g., by increasing the viscosity of theactive composition of a lavatory bowl rim-block, may lead to a reduceddispensing of the active composition upon flushing of the lavatory bowl,which is not desirable. Indeed, this would reduce the cleaningperformance of the lavatory rim-block.

[0009] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to providea lavatory bowl rim-block comprising at least one liquid composition,wherein leakage upon use (i.e., while suspended from a lavatory bowl) isreduced or even prevented, whilst maintaining the delivery performanceupon flushing of the lavatory bowl (i.e., good product release uponflushing). By “leakage” it is meant herein, unwanted delivery of said atleast one liquid composition in-between flushing of the lavatory bowl.

[0010] It has now been found that the above objective can be met by alavatory bowl rim-block according to the present invention.

[0011] Advantageously, the lavatory bowl rim-blocks as described hereinmay be used to clean surfaces made of a variety of materials like glazedand non-glazed ceramic tiles, enamel, stainless steel, Inox®, Formica®,vinyl, no-wax vinyl, linoleum, melamine, glass, plastics and plastifiedwood.

[0012] A further advantage of the present invention is that thecompositions according to the present invention have the ability toprovide long lasting shine to the surface they have cleaned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention encompasses a lavatory bowl rim-blockcomprising: at least one liquid composition; and a dispenser, saiddispenser comprising at least one container and a dispensing meansconnected to said container(s) for dispensing said liquid compositiononto a lavatory bowl surface; wherein said liquid composition comprisesgellan gum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Surfaces to be cleaned

[0015] The lavatory bowl rim-block herein is used to clean the surfaceor at least parts thereof of a lavatory bowl, such as a toilet bowl,urinals and the like. Preferably, the lavatory bowl rim-block herein isused to clean the surface or at least parts thereof of the insideportion of a lavatory bowl, such as a toilet bowl, urinals and the like.More preferably, the lavatory bowl rim-block herein is used to clean atleast parts of the inside portion of a toilet bowl or a urinal,preferably a toilet bowl.

[0016] The lavatory bowl rim-block herein may be used to clean lavatorybowl surfaces made of different materials like ceramic, enamel, vinyl,no-wax vinyl, linoleum, melamine, glass, Inox®, Formica®, any plastics,plastified wood, metal or any painted or varnished or sealed surface andthe like.

[0017] Lavatory Bowl Rim-Block

[0018] The lavatory bowl rim-block herein comprises: at least one liquidcomposition; and a dispenser, said dispenser comprising at least onecontainer and a dispensing means connected to at least one of saidcontainer(s) for dispensing a liquid composition onto a lavatory bowlsurface.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment herein, the lavatory bowl rim-blockherein dispenses a single liquid composition or a combination of liquidcompositions onto a lavatory bowl surface. Preferably, the lavatory bowlrim-block herein dispenses at least one liquid composition from the rimportion of a lavatory bowl onto the lavatory bowl surface.

[0020] The lavatory bowl rim-block herein is preferably designed suchthat a sufficient amount of the liquid composition herein is transferredto the lavatory bowl upon flushing of the lavatory bowl with water.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the lavatory bowl rim-block herein isa toilet rim-block.

[0022] The Dispenser

[0023] The lavatory bowl rim-block of the present invention ispreferably made of two main parts: a) at least one liquid composition;and b) a dispenser. Said dispenser of the lavatory bowl rim-blockcomprises at least one container and a dispensing means connected to atleast one of said container(s) for dispensing a liquid composition (or acombination of liquid compositions) onto a lavatory bowl surface. The atleast one liquid composition is contained in the at least one containerof the dispenser.

[0024] The container herein may by any suitable container to hold aliquid composition. Indeed, suitable containers herein include, but arenot limited to bottles, jars, pouches, boxes, sachets and the like.Preferably, said container has at least one opening. The container ispreferably made by blow molding of thermoplastic material, morepreferably a material selected from group consisting of PolyethyleneTerephthalate (PET), Polyethylene Terephthalate-G (PETG), PolyvinylChloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), High ImpactPolystyrene (HIPS), Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC), and mixturesthereof.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment herein, the container of the lavatorybowl rim-block is refillable and/or replaceable. Indeed, the containeras a whole may be replaced once it is empty (replaceable) or thecomposition may be refilled into the existing container. The containermay be refilled through an aperture in the container with thecomposition provided in a separate container, such as a bottle.

[0026] The dispensing means herein may by any suitable means to dispensethe liquid composition herein onto a lavatory bowl surface. The lavatorybowl rim-block may comprise one or a multitude of dispensing means.Suitable means to dispense at least one liquid composition onto alavatory surface are apertures, spray heads, trays, pads with or withoutcapillary channels, plates with or without capillary channels, blottertype dispensing means such as described in EP 775 741, and the like. Inthe preferred embodiment wherein the lavatory bowl rim-block herein isused to clean the inside portion of a lavatory bowl or at least partsthereof, the dispensing means herein comes into contact with water usedto flush said lavatory bowl. In this preferred embodiment, the waterused to flush said lavatory bowl mixes with at least one liquidcomposition of the lavatory bowl rim-block herein and thereby deliversthe composition(s) onto the lavatory bowl surface. The dispensing meansherein is connected to at least one of said container(s) by any suitablemeans, such as pipes, tubes, and the like, and may further containvalves, mixing chambers, shutters, and the like.

[0027] The dispenser as described above may comprise other elements suchas: an attachment means; a supporting structure, holding the differentelements of the dispenser together; blinds, used for aesthetics or toregulated water flow; wings, used to regulated water flow; etc. In apreferred embodiment herein, the lavatory bowl rim-block, preferablysaid dispenser, additionally comprises an attachment means. Saidattachment means is used to connect the lavatory bowl rim-block,preferably the dispenser, to said lavatory bowl and hold it in placeover its lifetime. Suitable attachment means are selected from the groupconsisting of: hooks, a suction cup or a set thereof, an adhesive, andmixtures thereof. Preferably said attachment means attaches thedispenser to the rim or suspends the dispenser from said rim. In apreferred embodiment said attachment means is a hook to suspend thedispenser from the rim of a lavatory bowl.

[0028] Preferably, the dispenser herein additionally comprises anattachment means. More preferably, the dispenser herein additionallycomprises an attachment means and a supporting structure.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein thelavatory bowl rim-block comprises one container, the lavatory bowlrim-block comprises one liquid composition comprising all the essentialingredients of said composition (“single compartment liquid rim-block”or “single compartment dispenser”).

[0030] In another preferred embodiment herein, wherein the lavatory bowlrim-block comprises more than one container, preferably two to four,more preferable two to three, most preferably two containers, theessential ingredients of the liquid composition(s) (hereinafter“essential ingredients”) of the lavatory bowl rim-block, may be presenttogether in one and the same liquid composition contained in one of thecontainer or these essential ingredients of the composition(s) of thelavatory bowl rim-block, may be in separate compositions contained indifferent containers, wherein preferably one of said separatecompositions is a liquid composition and the other composition(s) areliquid, fluid gel, gel or solid compositions more preferably the othercomposition(s) are liquid compositions.

[0031] In the case where the essential ingredients of the composition(s)of the lavatory bowl rim-block, are in separate compositions containedin different containers, the compositions containing the essentialingredients are dispensed as a combination of compositions. By“combination of compositions” it is meant that the various compositionscomprising the essential ingredients are mixed or at least combined:prior to being dispensed, e.g., in a mixing chamber, if any, or thedispensing means; during the dispensing, e.g., on the dispensing means;or after being dispensed, on the lavatory surface itself (this means inthe flushed water). Indeed, at least the containers containing essentialingredients are connected to the dispensing means or a multitude thereofin way that the compositions containing the essential ingredients aredispensed onto said lavatory bowl surface.

[0032] In the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lavatorybowl rim-block comprises at least one solid and/or gel composition(s),it may be necessary for the flush water to dissolve or wash away saidsolid and/or gel composition(s). This can be achieved by, e.g.,providing a container containing said solid and/or gel composition(s)that is water permeable using openings, slits, and the like, or evenwater soluble.

[0033] In the preferred embodiment, wherein the lavatory bowl rim-blockcomprises more than one container, as described above, the container(s)not comprising essential ingredients are not necessarily used todispense compositions onto said lavatory bowl surface, however it is inthe scope of the present invention that such a container(s) alsodispense compositions onto the lavatory bowl surface. Indeed, such acontainer(s) may contain compositions, such as perfumes and the like,that are dispensed into the air. Furthermore, such containers maycontain liquid and/or solid compositions.

[0034] Suitable dispensers for use in the lavatory bowl rim-block asdescribed herein are for example described in WO 01/44591, WO 99/66140,GB 2345494, WO 99/15375, WO 00/49238, GB 2358028, WO 95/38637, WO01/77451, WO 00/42261, WO 01/06067, EP 538957, US 6,230,334, EP 1046756and WO 01/02653.

[0035] Composition(s)

[0036] At least one of the compositions of the lavatory bowl rim-blockas described herein is formulated as liquid composition(s). The termliquid composition encompasses aqueous, thickened, fluid gel, gel andpasteous composition.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment herein, the composition herein is athickened composition. The thickened composition herein may be in theform of a fluid gel, gel or a pasteous composition. If more than onecomposition is present in the lavatory bowl rim-block herein, saidcompositions may have different rheologies and/or pH. Indeed, preferablyone of said separate compositions is a liquid composition and the othercomposition(s) are liquid, fluid gel, gel or solid compositions morepreferably the other composition(s) are liquid compositions.

[0038] Preferably, the thickened composition herein is a fluid gel. By a“fluid gel” it is meant herein a weak gel structure that exhibits anapparent yield stress, this means that a finite stress must be exceededbefore the system will flow.

[0039] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that these fluidgel properties, preferably provided by the gellan gum present in thecomposition, contribute to the reduction or prevention of leakage andhelps maintain the excellent product release from the dispenser.Provided the stress exerted by the action of gravity on the compositionpresent in the container of the lavatory rim-block herein is less thanthe yield stress, leakage of the composition is reduced or evenprevented, due to the fact that the composition does not flow. Uponflushing of the lavatory bowl equipped with a lavatory rim-blockaccording to the present invention, the flush-water enters through thedispensing means into the dispenser and exert sufficient yield stressonto the composition to release said composition from the container(i.e., the composition flows). In addition, fluid gels are also highlypseudoplastic, which means low viscosity at higher levels of shear. Thepseudoplastic properties of the composition herein contribute tomaintain excellent product release from the dispenser. Furthermore, thefluid gel makes compositions very good for suspending particulatematter. It is the weak gel structure that gives gellan gum fluid-gelsexcellent prevention of leakage as well as suspending ability. It ispossible to quantify this structure using Dynamic MechanicalSpectroscopy. This method gently oscillates the sample and from theresponse measures the degree of structure (storage modulus G′ in Pa).

[0040] The preferred thickened composition of the present invention hasa viscosity from 100 to 50000 cps at 50 sec⁻¹ and a viscosity of from5000 to 50000 at 0.01 sec⁻¹, more preferably of from 100 to 1000 cps at50 sec⁻¹, and still more preferably of from 100 to 600 cps at 50 sec⁻¹and a viscosity of 6000-30000 cps at 0.01 sec⁻¹ at 20° C. when measuredwith a Carri-Med Rheometer model CSL² 100® (Supplied by TA Instruments)with a 4 cm conic spindle in stainless steal (linear increment from 0.01to 100 sec⁻¹ in max. 8 minutes).

[0041] An alternative means to express the rheological properties of thecomposition herein is done by performing a creep test, wherein yieldstress (at 0.05 Pa) is applied to a sample and deformation or strain onthe sample is measured. Preferred thickened composition of the presentinvention has a viscosity after 10 min of creep of more than 20000 cps.

[0042] It is at these preferred viscosities where the thickenedcomposition herein shows a good distribution of the composition over thesurface to be cleaned as well as an adherence to said surface sufficientto stick to the surface during the cleaning operation itself.

[0043] The preferred liquid composition herein comprises water in anamount of from 0.01% to 90%, even more preferably of from 2% to 70% andmost preferably 5% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid composition herein issubstantially free of water, preferably free of water. By “substantiallyfree of water” it is meant that no water as such is added to the liquidcomposition(s). However, said liquid composition(s) may comprise tracesof water added into the composition(s) through the raw-materials used toproduce the liquid composition(s). The level of water added into thecomposition(s) through the raw-materials used to produce the liquidcomposition(s) is preferably below 10%, more preferably below 5%, evenmore preferably below 3% by weight of the total composition.

[0045] The pH of the liquid composition according to the presentinvention may typically be from 0 to 14.

[0046] Preferably, the pH of the liquid composition herein, as ismeasured at 25° C., is at least, with increasing preference in the ordergiven, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 5.9. Independently, the pH of the liquidcomposition herein, as is measured at 25° C., preferably is no morethan, with increasing preference in the order given, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10,9, 8, 7 or 6.1. Accordingly, the compositions herein may furthercomprise an acid or base to adjust pH as appropriate. Acidity, ifpresent, may further contribute to formulate the composition herein thatexhibits good limescale removing performance whilst exhibiting also gooddisinfecting properties. Suitable acids herein may be organic and/orinorganic acids. Particularly suitable organic acids to be used hereinare aryl and/or alkyl sulfonate, such as methane sulphonic acids, citricacid, succinic acid, sulphamic acid, maleic acid and the like.Particularly suitable inorganic acids are sulfuric, phosphoric, nitricacids and the like.

[0047] A typical level of acid, when present, is of from 0.0001% to 15%,preferably from 0.001% to 10% and more preferably from 0.01% to 7% byweight of the total composition. Suitable bases for use herein are thecaustic alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and/orlithium hydroxide, and/or the alkali metal oxides such, as sodium and/orpotassium oxide or mixtures thereof. A preferred base is a causticalkali, more preferably sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide.

[0048] Other suitable bases include ammonia, ammonium carbonate andhydrogen carbonate. Typical levels of a base, when present, are of from0.001% to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 3% and more preferablyfrom 0.1% to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0049] Gellan Gum

[0050] The liquid composition herein comprises gellan gum as anessential ingredient.

[0051] Gellan gum is a polysaccharide manufactured by microbialfermentation of the Sphingomonas Elodea Microorganism and has a mol. wt.of between 400'000 and 1'000'000. Gellan gum is used to preferably forma fluid gel structure of the liquid composition according to the presentinvention.

[0052] The liquid composition herein may comprise from 0.001% to 1%,preferably from 0.005% to 0.5%, more preferably from 0.001% to 0.2% byweight of the total composition of gellan gum.

[0053] Gellan gum is for example commercially available under the tradename Kelcogel from CPKelco.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment herein, the gellan gum herein is a lowacyl gellan gum, preferably the acyl content of the gellan gum herein isbelow 5%, more preferably below 3%, still more preferably below 2%, yetstill more preferably below 1.5% and most preferably below 1%.

[0055] It has been found the use of gellan gum prevents leaking of theliquid composition from the dispenser onto the lavatory bowl surface.This leakage would be observable by consumers during the in-betweenflushes intervals due to the coloring, if any, of the liquidcomposition. Gellan gum prevents leakage on the lavatory bowl withoutnegatively affecting product release from the dispenser by providing ayield value on the fluid (e.g., the fluid behaves as a solid at very lowstresses). This may be due to the fluid gel properties (as discussedherein above), of gellan gum-containing compositions.

[0056] Processes

[0057] The present invention encompasses a process of cleaning alavatory bowl surface with a lavatory bowl rim-block according to thepresent invention, wherein said process comprises the step of applying aliquid composition (or a combination of liquid compositions) onto alavatory bowl surface.

[0058] Preferably, said application of a liquid composition (or acombination of liquid compositions) onto a lavatory bowl surface is doneupon flushing said lavatory bowl surface with water.

[0059] In said process of cleaning a lavatory bowl surface with alavatory bowl rim-block according to the present invention the liquidcomposition is applied onto said lavatory bowl surface in diluted form.

[0060] By “in its diluted form” it is meant herein that said compositionmay be diluted with water up to 120.000× dilution level, preferablybetween 50.000× to 80.000×, more preferably 10.000× to 60.000×, evenmore preferably 10.000× to 55.000×, and most preferably 20.000× to50.000×dilution level. Said dilution occurs upon application of theliquid composition herein or the combination of the liquid compositionsherein to said surface.

[0061] The concentrations and levels (in %) of the different compoundspresent in the composition herein are given prior to any dilution ofsaid composition upon dispensing of the composition.

[0062] Furthermore, the present invention encompasses the manufacture ofa composition for use in one of the processes as described herein above.

[0063] Optional Ingredients in the Compositions Herein

[0064] Chelant

[0065] The liquid composition according to the present invention mayfurther comprise a chelant as an optional but highly preferredingredient.

[0066] Chelants are preferred optional ingredients of the presentinvention, as it has been found that the presence of a chelant hereinsignificantly reduces the mineral deposition on the lavatory bowlsurface by chelating ions of the mineral deposition.

[0067] Suitable chelants may be any of those known to those skilled inthe art, such as the ones selected from the group comprising phosphonatechelants, amino carboxylate chelants, other carboxylate chelants,polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelants, ethylenediamineN,N′-disuccinic acids, or mixtures thereof.

[0068] Suitable phosphonate chelants to be used herein may includeethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates (HEDP) or salts thereof, alkylene poly(alkylene phosphonate), as well as amino phosphonate compounds,including amino aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid) (ATMP), nitrilotrimethylene phosphonates (NTP), ethylene diamine tetra methylenephosphonates, and diethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonates(DTPMP). The phosphonate compounds may be present either in their acidform or as salts of different cations on some or all of their acidfunctionalities. Preferred phosphonate chelants to be used herein arediethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonate (DTPMP) and ethane1-hydroxy diphosphonate (HEDP). Such phosphonate chelants arecommercially available from Monsanto under the trade name DEQUEST®.Preferably, the chelant herein is a phosphonate chelant or a mixturethereof. More preferably, the chelant herein is selected from the groupconsisting of ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates (HEDP) or salts thereof,alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonate), as well as amino phosphonatecompounds, including amino aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid) (ATMP),nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates (NTP), ethylene diamine tetramethylene phosphonates, and diethylene triamine penta methylenephosphonates (DTPMP) and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the chelantherein is ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonate (HEDP) or a salt thereof.

[0069] Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelants may also be usefulin the compositions herein. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,812,044, issued May 21,1974, to Connor et al. Preferred chelants of this type in acid form aredihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy -3,5-disulfobenzene.

[0070] A preferred biodegradable chelant for use herein is ethylenediamine N,N′-disuccinic acid, or alkali metal, or alkaline earth,ammonium or substitutes ammonium salts thereof or mixtures thereof.Ethylenediamine N,N′-disuccinic acids, especially the (S,S) isomer, havebeen extensively described in U.S. Pat. No. 4, 704, 233, Nov. 3, 1987,to Hartman and Perkins. Ethylenediamine N,N′-disuccinic acid is, forinstance, commercially available under the tradename ssEDDSO from PalmerResearch Laboratories.

[0071] Suitable amino carboxylates to be used herein as chelants includeethylene diamine tetra acetates, diethylene triamine pentaacetates,diethylene triamine pentaacetate (DTPA),N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilotri-acetates, ethylenediamine tetrapropionates,triethylenetetraaminehexa-acetates, ethanol-diglycines, propylenediamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) and methyl glycine di-acetic acid (MGDA),both in their acid form, or in their alkali metal, ammonium, andsubstituted ammonium salt forms. Particularly suitable aminocarboxylates to be used herein are diethylene triamine penta aceticacid, propylene diamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) which is, for instance,commercially available from BASF under the trade name Trilon FS(andmethyl glycine di-acetic acid (MGDA).

[0072] Further carboxylate chelants to be used herein include salicylicacid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, malonic acid or mixturesthereof.

[0073] Another chelant for use herein is of the formula:

[0074] wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are independently selected from thegroup consisting of —H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, —Cl, —Br, —NO₂,—C(O)R′, and SO₂R″; wherein R′ is selected from the group consisting ofH, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, and aryloxy; R″ is selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, and aryloxy; and R₅, R₆, R₇, and R₈are independently selected from the group consisting of —H and alkyl.

[0075] Typically, the composition herein may comprise up to about 5%,preferably from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight and more preferablyfrom about 0.5% % to about 2% by weight of the total composition of achelant.

[0076] Silicone Polymer

[0077] The liquid composition according to the present invention mayfurther comprise a silicone polymer as an optional but highly preferredingredient.

[0078] Silicon polymers are preferred optional ingredients herein asthey deposit onto the surfaces cleaned with a composition according tothe present invention. Thereby, soil adherence, limescale and/or mineralencrustation build-up, is prevented. Indeed, it has been found, that theoptional silicone polymers herein, deposit onto the lavatory bowlsurface, which is thereby rendered less prone the adherence and/or thebuild-up of limescale and mineral encrustation, etc. (“mineraldeposition”).

[0079] The composition herein may comprise up to 50%, more preferably offrom 0.01% to 30%, even more preferably of from 0.01% to 20%, and mostpreferably of from 0.01% to 10%, by weight of the total composition ofsaid silicone polymer.

[0080] Suitable silicone polymers are selected from the group consistingof silicone glycol polymers and mixtures thereof.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, thesilicone polymer herein is a silicone glycol polymer.

[0082] Depending on the relative position of the silicone-polyetherchains, the silicone glycol polymer can be either linear or grafted.

[0083] Preferably, said silicone glycol polymer is according to thefollowing formulae:

[0084] wherein: each R₁ independently is H or a hydrocarbon radical; R₂is a group bearing a polyether functional group; n is an integer of from0 to 500; and for the grafted structure m is an integer of from 1 to300, and preferably with n+m more than 1.

[0085] In a highly preferred embodiment herein the silicone polymerherein is a grafted silicone glycol.

[0086] Preferably, each R₁ independently is H or a hydrocarbon chaincomprising from 1 to 16, more preferably a hydrocarbon chain comprisingfrom 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and even more preferably R₁ is a CH₃-group.R₁ can also contain NH2 groups and/or quaternary ammoniums.

[0087] Preferably, n is an integer of from 0 to 100, more preferably aninteger of from 1 to 100, even more preferably n is an integer of from 1to 50, and most preferably n is an integer of from 5 to 30.

[0088] Preferably, m (for the grafted structure) is an integer of from 1to 80, more preferably m is an integer of from 1 to 30, and even morepreferably m is an integer of from 2 to 10. Preferably, n+m is more than2.

[0089] Preferably, R₂ is an alkoxylated hydrocarbon chain. Morepreferably, R₂ is according to the general formulae:

-R₃-(A)_(p)—R₄ or —(A)_(p)—R₄

[0090] wherein: R₃ is a hydrocarbon chain; A is an alkoxy group or amixture thereof; p is an integer of from 1 to 50; and R₄ is H or ahydrocarbon chain, or —COOH.

[0091] Preferably, R₃ is a hydrocarbon chain comprising from 1 to 12,more preferably 3 to 10, even more preferably from 3 to 6, and mostpreferably 3 carbon atoms.

[0092] Preferably, A is an ethoxy or propoxy or butoxy unit or a mixturethereof, more preferably A is an ethoxy group.

[0093] Preferably, p is an integer of from 1 to 50, more preferably p isan integer of from 1 to 30, and even more preferably p is an integer offrom 5 to 20.

[0094] Preferably, R₄ is H or a hydrocarbon chain comprising from 1 to12, more preferably 1 to 6, even more preferably from 3 to 6, and stilleven preferably 3 carbon atoms, most preferably R₄ is H.

[0095] Preferably, the silicone glycol polymers suitable herein have anaverage molecular weight of from 500 to 100,000, preferably from 600 to50,000, more preferably from 1000 to 40,000, and most preferably from2,000 to 20,000.

[0096] Suitable, silicone glycol polymers are commercially availablefrom General electric, Dow Corning, and Witco (see Applicant'sco-pending European Patent Applications 03 447 099.7 and 03 447 098.9for an extensive list of trade names of silicone glycol polymers).

[0097] In a highly preferred embodiment according to the presentinvention, the polymer herein is a Silicones-Polyethers copolymer,commercially available under the trade name SF 1288® from GE BayerSilicones.

[0098] Nonionic Surfactants

[0099] The liquid composition according to the present invention maycomprise, as an optional ingredient but highly preferred ingredient anonionic surfactant, or mixtures thereof.

[0100] Accordingly, the composition herein may comprise up to 70%,preferably of from 1% to 30%, more preferably of from 1% to 20%, andmost preferably of from 1% to 10% by weight of the total composition ofa nonionic surfactant or mixtures thereof.

[0101] The presence of nonionic surfactants in the composition of thepresent invention allows to provide good cleaning performance. Thepresence of nonionic surfactants in the composition herein may alsoallow to provide compositions with further improved shine benefit.Indeed, it has been found that the presence of a nonionic surfactantfurther contributes to the reduction or even prevention of mineraldeposits as described herein above.

[0102] Suitable nonionic surfactants to be used herein are alkoxylatedfatty alcohol nonionic surfactants that can be readily made bycondensation processes that are well known in the art. Indeed, a greatvariety of such alkoxylated fatty alcohols are commercially availablewhich have very different HLB values. The HLB values of such alkoxylatednonionic surfactants depend essentially on the chain length of the fattyalcohol, the nature of the alkoxylation and the degree of alkoxylation.Hydrophilic nonionic surfactants tend to have a high degree ofalkoxylation and a short chain fatty alcohol, while hydrophobicsurfactants tend to have a low degree of alkoxylation and a long chainfatty alcohol. Surfactants catalogues are available which list a numberof surfactants including nonionics, together with their respective HLBvalues.

[0103] Accordingly, preferred alkoxylated alcohols for use herein arenonionic surfactants according to the formula RO(E)_(e)(P)_(p)H where Ris a hydrocarbon chain of from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, E is ethylene oxideand P is propylene oxide, and e and p which represent the average degreeof, respectively ethoxylation and propoxylation, are of from 0 to 24.The hydrophobic moiety of the nonionic compound can be a primary orsecondary, straight or branched alcohol having from 8 to 24 carbonatoms. Preferred nonionic surfactants for use in the compositionsaccording to the invention are the condensation products of ethyleneoxide with alcohols having a straight alkyl chain, having from 6 to 22carbon atoms, wherein the degree of ethoxylation is from 1 to 15,preferably from 5 to 12. Such suitable nonionic surfactants arecommercially available from Shell, for instance, under the trade nameDobanol® or from Shell under the trade name Lutensol ®. These nonionicsare preferred because they have been found to allow the formulation of astable product without requiring the addition of stabilisers orhydrotropes. When using other nonionics, it may be necessary to addhydrotropes such as cumene sulphonate or solvents such asbutyldiglycolether.

[0104] Other Surfactants

[0105] The liquid composition according to the present invention mayfurther comprise a surfactant other than the nonionic surfactant, ifany, as described above.

[0106] All types of surfactants may be used in the present inventionincluding anionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants. Itis also possible to use mixtures of such surfactants without departingfrom the spirit of the present invention.

[0107] The presence of surfactants other than the nonionic surfactantsin the composition(s) of the present invention allows to provide goodcleaning performance.

[0108] Accordingly, the liquid composition herein may comprise up to70%, preferably of from 0.1% to 60%, more preferably of from 1% to 50%,and most preferably of from 5% to 40% by weight of the total compositionof a surfactant, or mixtures there.

[0109] Suitable amphoteric surfactants to be used in the compositionsaccording to the present invention include amine oxides. Preferred longchain amine oxides for use herein are for instance natural blend C₈—C₁₀amine oxides as well as C₁₂—C₆ amine oxides commercially available fromHoechst. Preferred short chain amine oxides for use herein are forinstance natural blend C₈—C₁₀ amine oxides available from Hoechst.

[0110] In a highly preferred embodiment according to the presentinvention, the liquid composition (or combination of liquidcompositions) according to the present invention may further comprise analkyl alkoxylated sulphate surfactant. Suitable alkyl alkoxylatedsulphate surfactants for use herein are according to the formulaRO(A)_(m)SO₃M wherein: R is a substituted or unsubstituted, linear orbranched C₆—C₂₄, preferably a C₈—C₂₀, more preferably a C₁₂—C₂₀, evenmore preferably a C₁₂—C₁₈, and most preferably a C₁₂—C₁₄ alkyl group; Ais an ethoxy or propoxy or butoxy unit; m is greater than zero,preferably at least 0.1, more preferably between 0.1 and 15, even morepreferably between 0.5 and 6, and most preferably between 0.5 and 4; andM is H or a cation which can be, for example, a metal cation (e.g.,sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, etc.), ammonium orsubstituted-ammonium cation. Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates as well as alkylpropoxylated sulfates and alkyl butoxylated sulfates are contemplatedherein. Highly preferred herein as alkyl alkoxylated sulphatesurfactants are alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, i.e., A is an ethoxy group.Specific examples of substituted ammonium cations include methyl-,dimethyl-, trimethyl-ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, such astetramethyl-ammonium, dimethyl piperdinium and cations derived fromalkanolamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamineisopropanolamine, mixtures thereof, and the like. Exemplary surfactantsare C₁₂—C₁₈ alkyl polyethoxylate (1.0) sulfate (C₁₂—C₁₈E(1.0)SM),C₁₂—C₁₈ alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfate (C₁₂—C₁₈E(2.25)SM), C₁₂—C₁₈alkyl polyethoxylate (3.0) sulfate (C₁₂—C₁₈E(3.0) C₁₂—C₁₄ alkylpolyethoxylate (3.0) sulfate (C₁₂—C₁₄E(3.0)SM) and C₁₂—C₁₈ alkylpolyethoxylate (4.0) sulfate (C₁₂—C₁₈E(4.0)SM), wherein M isconveniently selected from sodium and potassium. Of particularimportance herein is an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate with a degree ofethoxylation of 2.4 or between 2-3. Sodium C₁₂/C₁₄ E3 sulphate may befor example commercially available from Albright & Wilson under the nameEMPICOL ESC3®.

[0111] When present, alkyl alkoxylated sulphate surfactants contributeto suds stability, and volume and also contribute to product viscosity.

[0112] Solvent

[0113] The liquid composition according to the present invention mayfurther comprise a solvent.

[0114] Accordingly, the composition herein may comprise up to 30%,preferably of from 0.1% to 30%, more preferably of from 1% to 20%, andmost preferably of from 1% to 15% by weight of the total composition ofa solvent, or mixtures there.

[0115] Suitable solvents for use herein include ethers and diethershaving from 4 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 12 carbon atoms,and more preferably from 8 to 10 carbon atoms, glycols or alkoxylatedglycols, glycol ethers and/or derivatives, polyols, alkoxylated aromaticalcohols, aromatic alcohols, aliphatic branched or linear alcohols,alkoxylated aliphatic branched or linear alcohols, terpenes, andmixtures thereof.

[0116] Suitable glycols for use herein are according to the formulaHO-CR₁R₂—OH wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently H or a C₂—C₁₂ saturatedor unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain and/or cyclic. Suitableglycols to be used herein are dodecaneglycol, 1,2-hexanediol and/orpropanediol. Suitable alkoxylated glycols for use herein are accordingto the formula R-(A)_(n)-R₁—OH wherein R is H, OH, a linear saturated orunsaturated alkyl of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 15and more preferably from 2 to 10, wherein R₁ is H or a linear saturatedor unsaturated alkyl of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to15 and more preferably from 2 to 10, and A is an alkoxy group preferablyethoxy, methoxy, and/or propoxy and n is from 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 2.Suitable alkoxylated glycols to be used herein are methoxy octadecanoland/or ethoxyethoxyethanol.

[0117] Suitable glycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof for use hereininclude monoglycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof, di-, tri-andpoly-glycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof.

[0118] Suitable monoglycol ethers and derivatives thereof for use hereininclude propylene glycol butyl ether, and water-soluble CELLOSOLVE®solvents or mixtures thereof. Preferred Cellosolve® solvents include2-(Hexyloxy)ethanol (i.e., 2-hexyl Cellosolve®), ethylene glycol ethylether (i.e., 2-ethyl Cellosolve®), ethylene glycol butyl ether (i.e.,2-butyl Cellosolve(®) or mixtures thereof.

[0119] Suitable polyglycol ethers and derivatives thereof for use hereininclude n-butoxypropoxypropanol (n-BPP), butyl triglycol ether (BTGE),butyl diglycol ether (BDGE), diethylene glycol butyl ether,water-soluble CARBITOL® solvents or mixtures thereof.

[0120] Preferred water-soluble CARBITOL® solvents are compounds of the2-(2-alkoxy ethoxy)ethanol class, 2-(2-alkoxy ethoxy)propanol classand/or 2-(2-alkoxy ethoxy)butanol class wherein the alkoxy group isderived from ethyl, propyl, butyl and tert-butyl. A preferredwater-soluble carbitol is 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol also known as butylcarbitol®.

[0121] Suitable polyols for use herein are aliphatic linear or branchedsaturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms,preferably 4 to 10, and comprising at least 2 hydroxyl groups,preferably from 2 to 4. Suitable polyols herein are diols such as2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, methyl-2,4pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol or mixture thereof.

[0122] Suitable alkoxylated aromatic alcohols for use herein areaccording to the formula R (A)_(n)-OH wherein R is an alkyl substitutedor non-alkyl substituted aryl group of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,preferably from 2 to 15 and more preferably from 2 to 10, wherein A isan alkoxy group preferably butoxy, propoxy and/or ethoxy, and n is aninteger of from 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 2. Suitable alkoxylated aromaticalcohols are benzoxyethanol and/or benzoxypropanol.

[0123] Suitable aromatic alcohols for use herein are according to theformula R-OH wherein R is an alkyl substituted or non-alkyl substitutedaryl group of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 15 andmore preferably from 1 to 10. For example a suitable aromatic alcohol tobe used herein is benzyl alcohol.

[0124] Suitable aliphatic linear or branched alcohols for use herein areaccording to the formula R-OH wherein R is a branched or linearsaturated or unsaturated alkyl group of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,preferably from 2 to 15 and more preferably from 2 to 12. Particularlysuitable aliphatic branched alcohols to be used herein include2-ethylbutanol and/or 2-methylbutanol. Particularly suitable aliphaticlinear alcohols to be used herein include decanol, ethanol and/or 1-or2-propanol.

[0125] Suitable alkoxylated aliphatic linear or branched alcohols foruse herein are according to the formula R-(A)_(n)—OH wherein R is abranched or linear saturated or unsaturated alkyl group of from 1 to 20carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 15 and more preferably from 5 to 12,wherein A is an alkoxy group preferably butoxy, propoxy and/or ethoxy,and n is an integer of from 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 2. Suitablealkoxylated aliphatic branched alcohols include 1-methylpropoxyethanoland/or 2-methylbutoxyethanol. Suitable alkoxylated aliphatic linearalcohols include ethoxy propanol and/or propoxy propanol.

[0126] Other suitable solvents include ter amilic alcohol, terpenesolvents and the like. Suitable terpenes for use herein are mono-andbicyclic terpenes, especially those of the hydrocarbon class, whichinclude the terpinenes, terpinolenes and pinenes and mixtures thereof.Highly preferred materials of this type are dipentene, alpha-pineneand/or beta-pinene. For example, pinene is commercially available fromSCM Glidco (Jacksonville) under the name Alpha Pinene P&F®.

[0127] Particularly preferred solvents for use herein are ethyleneglycol butyl ether, propylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycolbutyl ether, butoxy propoxy propanol, butyl diglycol ether, benzylalcohol, butoxypropanol, 2-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol, ethanol, methanol,benzyl alcohol, isopropanol, 1-propanol and mixtures thereof.

[0128] Thickening System

[0129] The composition herein may comprise a thickener or a thickeningsystem as a highly preferred optional ingredient, in addition to theGellan gum

[0130] Suitable thickeners herein are selected from the group consistingof organic thickeners, and inorganic thickeners and mixtures thereof.

[0131] Preferably the thickener herein when present, is an organicthickeners, more preferably a polyacrylate; a gum, which can be derivedfrom marine sources (agar, alginates, carrageenan, furcellaran),terrestrial plants (guar gum, gum Arabic, gum tragacenth, karaya gum,locust bean gum and pectin), animal sources (gelatin), microbialpolysaccharides other than Gellan gum (such as dextran, rhamsam gum,welan gum, Xanthan gum); a polysaccharide derivative(carboxymethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxy propylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, propylene glycol alginate, hydroxypropyl guar and modified starters); or a mixture thereof.

[0132] Other Suitable thickening systems are selected from the groupconsisting of a cationic/anionic surfactant system self-thickeningsystems.

[0133] Preferably, the compositions herein comprise a polyacrylate or agum or a combination thereof .

[0134] The composition herein may comprise from 0.005% to 15%,preferably from 0.01% to 10%, more preferably from 0.02% to 5% by weightof the total composition of a thickener or a thickening system.

[0135] Perfumes

[0136] The composition herein may comprise, as an optional ingredient, aperfume ingredient. The composition herein may comprise from 0.01% to40%, preferably from 0.01% to 35%, more preferably from 0.1% to 30%, andmost preferably from 0.1% to 25% by weight of the total composition ofsaid perfume ingredient.

[0137] Depending on the end use envisioned, the compositions accordingto the present invention may further comprise a variety of otheringredients including dyes, optical brighteners, builders, pigments,solvents, buffering agents, radical scavengers, polymers, stabilizersand the like.

[0138] Examples

[0139] The following examples will further illustrate the presentinvention. The compositions are made by combining the listed ingredientsin the listed proportions (weight % unless otherwise specified).Furthermore, the compositions comprise water and minors up to 100%. Thefollowing Examples are meant to exemplify compositions according to thepresent invention but are not necessarily used to limit or otherwisedefine the scope of the present invention.

[0140] The compositions are present in the container of a lavatory bowlrim-block comprising: at least one container; at least one liquidcomposition; and a dispensing means connected to at least one of saidcontainer(s) for dispensing a single liquid composition or a combinationof liquid compositions onto a lavatory bowl surface. I) IngredientsWeight % Kelcogel F ® 0.05 Dobanol 91.8 ® 15 HLAS 1 Na HEDP 0.5 SF1288 ® 5.0 Perfume 12

[0141] II) Ingredients Weight % Kelcogel F ® 0.02% Perfume   7% Marlinat242/90 ®   12 Dobanol 91.8 ®   2% Keizan T ®  0.3%

[0142] Kelzan T® is Xanthan Gum and Kelcogel F® is gellan gum, bothcommercially available from

[0143] CP-Kelco.

[0144] Dobanol® 23-3 is a C₁₂-C₁₃ E03 nonionic surfactant, and Dobanol®91-8 is a C₉—C₁₁ E08 nonionic surfactant, all commercially availablefrom SHELL.

[0145] Na HEDP is Sodium ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonate.

[0146] SF 1288® is a Silicones-Polyether copolymer, commerciallyavailable from GE Bayer Silicones.

[0147] HLAS is a linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acid anionic surfactant.

[0148] Marlinat 242/90® is an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate commerciallyavailable from Sasol.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lavatory bowl rim-block comprising: at leastone liquid composition; and a dispenser, said dispenser comprising atleast one container and a dispensing means connected to saidcontainer(s) for dispensing said liquid composition onto a lavatory bowlsurface; wherein said liquid composition comprises gellan gum.
 2. Alavatory bowl rim-block according to claim 1, wherein said dispenseradditionally comprises an attachment means, preferably said dispenseradditionally comprises an attachment means and a supporting structure.3. A lavatory bowl rim-block according to claim 2, wherein saidattachment means attaches said dispenser to the rim of a lavatory bowlor suspends said dispenser from said rim, preferably said attachmentmeans is a hook to suspend said dispenser from the rim of a lavatorybowl.
 4. A lavatory bowl rim-block according to claim 1, wherein saidliquid composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 1%, preferablyfrom about 0.005% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.001% toabout 0.2% by weight of the total composition of gellan gum.
 5. Alavatory bowl rim-block according to claim 1, wherein said liquidcomposition is a thickened composition, preferably a fluid gel.
 6. Alavatory bowl rim-block according to claim 1, wherein said liquidcomposition additionally comprises a chelant.
 7. A lavatory bowlrim-block according to claim 6, wherein said chelant is selected fromthe group comprising phosphonate chelants, amino carboxylate chelants,other carboxylate chelants, polyfunctionally-substituted aromaticchelants, ethylenediamine N,N′-disuccinic acids, or mixtures thereof;preferably a phosphonate chelant or a mixture thereof, more preferablyselected from the group consisting of ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates(HEDP) or salts thereof, alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonate), aminophosphonate compounds, including amino aminotri(methylene phosphonicacid) (ATMP), nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates (NTP), ethylene diaminetetra methylene phosphonates, and diethylene triamine penta methylenephosphonates (DTPMP) and mixtures thereof.
 8. A lavatory bowl rim-blockaccording to claim 6, wherein said chelant is ethane 1-hydroxydiphosphonate (HEDP) or a salt thereof.
 9. A lavatory bowl rim-blockaccording to claim 6, wherein said liquid composition comprises up toabout 5% by weight of the total composition of a chelant.
 10. A lavatorybowl rim-block according to claim 1, wherein said liquid compositionadditionally comprises a silicone polymer.
 11. A lavatory bowl rim-blockaccording to claim 10, wherein said silicone polymer is a siliconeglycol polymer.
 12. A lavatory bowl rim-block according to claim 10,wherein said silicone polymer is a linear or grafted silicone glycolpolymer according to the following formulae:

wherein: each R₁ independently is a hydrocarbon radical; R₂ is a groupbearing a polyether functional group; n is an integer of from 0 to about500; and for the grafted structure m is an integer of from about I toabout 300, and preferably with n+m more than
 1. 13. A lavatory bowlrim-block according to claim 10, wherein said liquid compositioncomprises up to about 50% by weight of the total composition of saidsilicone glycol polymer.
 14. A lavatory bowl rim-block according toclaim 1, wherein said liquid composition additionally comprises anonionic surfactant or mixtures thereof.
 15. A lavatory bowl rim-blockaccording to claim 14, wherein said liquid composition comprises up toabout 50% by weight of the total composition of a nonionic surfactant ormixtures thereof.
 16. A process of cleaning a lavatory bowl surface witha lavatory bowl rim-block comprising: at least one liquid composition;and a dispenser, said dispenser comprising at least one container and adispensing means connected to said container(s) for dispensing saidliquid composition onto a lavatory bowl surface; wherein said liquidcomposition comprises gellan gum; and wherein said process comprises thestep of applying said liquid composition onto said lavatory bowlsurface.
 17. A process of cleaning a lavatory bowl surface according toclaim 16, wherein said application of said liquid composition onto alavatory bowl surface is done upon flushing said lavatory bowl surfacewith water.